Baby Love

Chapter 62

Word Count: 2987

Averie's POV

I bounced in my seat as I watched Taylor flip my cat-shaped pancake on the griddle, the sizzling sound making me smile. The kitchen smelled so good—like warmth and sweetness.

Daddy came over, setting a plate of scrambled eggs beside me on the counter. "Here you go, Nugget," he said, ruffling my hair. I looked up at him, grinning. It made me feel happy and safe to see him still here.

"Can I have chocky milk, please?" I asked, poking at the pancake Taylor had just added to my plate. I liked how fluffy it looked.

"Sure, do you wanna help make it?" Taylor asked as she placed the used pan in the sink. She had one of those machines that washed dishes all by itself, just like Daddy did.

I shook my head. "No, not really. I can supervise, though," I said, my mouth already full of pancakes. I didn't want to stop eating—it was too good to wait.

Taylor giggled at my answer, her eyes soft. "That's okay," she said.

"I wonder where she got that line from," Daddy added, his voice teasing. But I didn't really care what they were talking about. I was too busy scooping up some eggs with my Averie-sized fork. Taylor bought some silverware, especially for me, she calls them 'Averie-sized.' Everything was so yummy today.

Today was already a good day. I woke up with both Daddy and Taylor in my bed, and I didn't even have to get up to go find them. They were right there. The kitties had been there too, but they ran off when I moved. It made me feel better, knowing they hadn't left me alone.

Yesterday wasn't like this. Yesterday after we got to Nashville, everything felt scary. I had a bad dream that made me think Daddy and Taylor would leave me, and I couldn't stop feeling scared like the world was too big. I didn't want to leave their sides at all.

And then, there was something Taylor said that didn't make sense. She told me I wasn't her little girl, even though she called me "her baby" all the time. I don't think I understand. I know she's not my mummy, but it still makes my chest hurt a little. Why would she say that if she loves me? Am I not hers anymore? 

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Daddy made a big fuss ensuring that my hat was on after I got out of the car at Andrea's house. It was a long drive over here, but Taylor promised to drive really safely. Everyone said she was a bad driver, so I was still worried. I quietly reminded Daisy and Piglet that we needed to be on the lookout in case there was an accident. 

"Good morning, you three! Are you excited? It's almost turkey day," Andrea greeted us at the door. She gave each of us a hug and momentarily chatted with Taylor about things they needed to do in the kitchen. I stayed glued to Daddy who was holding my backpack and animals. 

"Hey Averie?" Austin bent down in front of me, "we were going to make some decorations for the big dinner tomorrow. Do you want to help?" 

I warily looked at Daddy, slipping my hand in his. "That sounds so fun, doesn't it?" Daddy encouraged me but I still wasn't sure. 

"What type of decorations?" I mumbled, not wanting to commit to something unfun. 

"Just some Turkeys. Taylor and Austin used to make them every year, even when they were your age," Andrea chimed in with a warm smile.

"Real turkeys?" I giggled at the thought. How do I make a real turkey? I thought we were eating them.  

"No baby, hand turkeys with paper. Daddy and I can come make a few with you. How does that sound?" Taylor gave me a soft smile.